Gallant Autonome is a fully integrated dental unit that practice owners with limited floor space have been dreaming about.

By Danny Chan

The feature “plug-and-play” has never been used to describe the attributes of a dental unit – until now. That’s right. Imagine a dental unit that practically works out of the box, with no complex installation process necessary. The Gallant Autonome is a dental unit that does not require connections to air supply mains; vacuum mains; water supply mains; and sewerage system. The truly standalone unit includes a built-in compressor, suction system, aspirator and container for secretions. Housed within a soundproof cabinet, the oil-free compressor and suction system is exceptionally quiet.

Judging by the main features alone, there are two scenarios that immediately spring to mind where this chair would be a great fit:

Scenario One: If space comes at a premium cost to you, this high-tech Italian dental chair offers a unique space-saving solution that can also potentially save thousands in annual rental expenditure.

Scenario Two: If new space for a non-plumbed suite suddenly opens up in your clinic, you no longer need to engage a plumbing expert to extend the existing pipe-works into the room – which entails yet more savings. All this dental unit needs is an Australian standard 240-volt power plug.

Tecnodent is the Italian chair maker of Gallant Autonome. Founded in 1966, Tecnodent has a long tradition of chair designs for the dental/medical market that are renowned for their fine Italian craftsmanship. Tecnodent purportedly pioneered several innovations, including: Seamless upholsteries, knee-break seats (Linda Chair); as well as memory foam moulded upholsteries without seams.

In case you’re not entirely familiar with Tecnodent, perhaps you would be with the ensemble of European brand-name products that the unit comes integrated with:

The sleek modern appearance of the chair is accentuated by the glossy surface of the ceramic cuspidor with anti-bacterial coating and luxurious Italian upholstery. Available in two versions, dentists can select between the “Sting” dental chair (available in suspended and floor-mounted models) or “ECO.next” dental chair (floor mounted version). Both versions offer a great selection of colours and upholstery to provide users what the company calls “chromatherapy”.

For all its whiz-bang tech and pleasing exterior, the biggest drawcard of the Gallant Autonome is undoubtedly the fully integrated solution it offers. That is certainly the feedback from Dr Kevin Morris, Specialist Periodontist at Northern Periodontics & Implants. Dr Morris worked as general dentist for 15 years before becoming a Specialist and currently co-owns NPI, a six-location group practice with two other periodontists.

He purchased the Gallant Autonome from local reseller INZ Dental for his second permanent clinic location in South Morang, an old 200-sqm residential house that was converted into a single-chair practice. To avoid damaging the rental property with a view for future expansion, Dr Morris found the Gallant Autonome tailored for his needs.

“I believe INZ Dental is at present the only supplier of fully integrated dental chairs in Australia that features built-in suction and compressor.”

“With this chair, under-floor plumbing is not necessary which represents some savings in terms of build cost.”

Pleased with his purchase, Dr Morris is impressed by the “great chair ergonomics and operator comfort”, while surprised by the small footprint, being “only slightly larger than a “traditional chair””.

The periodontist is just as complimentary about his buyer’s experience:

“(INZ Dental) is a very attentive and responsive company. Their after-sales support is excellent and they offer honest advice. The price of the chair is VERY (emphasis Dr Morris’) competitive. The installation was fast with minimal delays. The chair looks great and was well installed.

“I like to support emerging businesses to ensure that there is competition in Australia. Both Borys and Nadiya (owners of INZ Dental) are fantastic to work with.”

As well as great support, he reiterates the main feature that makes the Gallant Autonome the ideal chair:

“I believe the chair can fit a normal size dental clinic very easily. The fully integrated system, along with all the equipment, is compatible with Australian connections.”

“They are always there for you... It’s just like they are a part of your business”. If that sounds like corporate insurance ad copy from a bygone era, it’s not. It’s the genuine appraisal of a satisfied customer who whole-heartedly endorses his equipment supplier (Ampac Dental) and technical support team.

By Danny Chan

More than 20 years spent in private and public practice has sharpened Dr Mahmoud Bacher’s acumen in shopping for new dental chairs. The dentist’s purview of various brands and models gleaned from personal experience as well as exposure to informal peer reviews, coupled with a keen eye for design aesthetics as a hobbyist painter, makes him an astute – and he admits, demanding – dental chair buyer. The Principal Dentist of AZ Family Dental has also dealt with enough equipment supply companies in his career to know how elusive the good ones are.

Some negative past experience with dud product choices and lousy after-sales service also makes Dr Bacher more appreciative whenever he comes across a reliable equipment seller or dental hardware that delivers as promised. That has certainly been his experience with Ampac Dental – the NSW-based dental reseller that eventually became his one-stop equipment destination.

When he stopped by Ampac Dental’s showroom in April, it was supposed to be one of many visits to compare available chair makes as part of his exhaustive pre-purchase research. There initially to test the Swident Partner chair, a European model that he has heard excellent first-hand reviews about, Dr Bacher ended up fitting out his entire Parramatta clinic with Ampac Dental’s equipment range, including: Suction (Dmega); compressor (Nardi); autoclave (Melag); x-ray unit (Trident); and ultrasonic cleaner (L&R).

While the chair’s classic Swiss design, luxurious upholstery and simplicity were pleasing attributes, Dr Bacher says that it was Ampac Dental’s genuine customer service that sealed the deal.

“From the moment I stepped into the showroom, (Ampac Dental’s equipment specialists Moe and Elizabeth) made me feel very welcomed and looked after.”

“Although I was quite the demanding customer, they were utterly professional and patiently answered all my questions. Their product knowledge is extensive and that is important for any serious buyer who is familiar with the product category and has specific questions to ask.”

Four months after the purchase, Dr Bacher is happy to report that the positive experience did not terminate at the cash register. As per research, the dental chair and the rest of the equipment have been performing impressively even under constant stress, delivering all the operator/patient ergonomic comfort and functional attributes that he could have hoped for. The after-sales experience was just as good, if not better.

“No matter how good a product is, you are bound to encounter some issues. It’s great to have helpful and knowledgeable equipment specialists to turn to when you do,” Dr Bacher says of Ampac Dental’s responsiveness.

The tech support equation isn’t complete without including the supplier’s outsourced technical team – that installed all the equipment at AZ Family Dental. “It was like a giant puzzle with so many intricate parts but the installation team was so efficient, they made it look simple.”

One of Ampac Dental’s trusted technical crew in the Sydney area, LR Dental comprises Louis Rouessart and Louis Rouessart Jr, the father-and-son team that has earned several noteworthy mentions in this magazine. Dr Bacher manages to raise the bar with the most effusive thus far: “If you haven’t dealt with them, you are really missing out.”

Having encountered his fair share of irresponsible equipment installations, Dr Bacher cannot be happier with LR Dental’s work rate and ethics:

“Most technical guys come in, install an equipment and that’s it. With (LR Dental), they won’t leave until they make sure that everything is functioning properly.”

Dr Bacher is still impressed that on one occasion, Louis Rouessart Jr had responded to his call at 11pm, then promptly came onsite to assist the in-house IT guy. “He didn’t have to but that’s the kind of commitment level I’m talking about,” he adds gratefully. “It’s just like they are a part of your business.”

The clinician experiences the same genuine concern from Moe and Elizabeth every time he reaches out with an issue – even though he knows that they are very busy people.

“I’ve had several bad experiences when it’s hard to locate the supplier or when the technician promised to come but never showed up or came very late... all these things impact your business negatively.”

“With Ampac Dental, it’s quite the opposite. They are always there for you.”

Heartened by the heroism of firefighters on the frontline of devastating bushfires, you would no doubt have reserved special praise for the volunteers, who responded to the crisis completely of their own volition.

The same selfless quality is reflected in dentists and dental auxiliaries who regularly give of their time, energy and finances to help improve the dental health of fellow Australians with limited or no dental care access. However, instead of elusive figures, it is far more instructive to see volunteers as everyday individuals with whom we can readily identify – and easily emulate.

That encapsulates Dr Peter Waltham’s measured call for new volunteers. According to the Director of Victorian branch of the Australian Dental Health Foundation, dental volunteerism simply boils down to going where the needs are, although he stresses that there are many.

Despite his esteemed designation, Dr Peter Waltham is at heart a dental volunteer. Peter got his first taste of dental volunteerism though the Australia-Vietnam Dental Health project in 2009. On his return from Vietnam, he searched for similar programs within local communities that led to involvement with the ADHF. Approached during his first year at the Foundation to take on the role of Victorian state chair, he was initially hesitant due to inexperience and the amount of administrative duties involved.

Before saying “yes”, Dr Waltham had one pre-condition: “My appointment has to make a significant and positive contribution to the Foundation.”

The Melbourne dentist made good on his assertion by rallying fellow compatriots to join as ADHF volunteers, at a time there were few. The Victorian branch experienced a steady rise in volunteer numbers over the last decade, spurring Dr Waltham on to bigger goals in the new one.

As part of ADHF’s broad agenda to coordinate the delivery of pro bono basic dental treatment to socially disadvantaged members of the community, Peter has been working hard to champion the Foundation’s Volunteer Programs:

Dental Rescue Days

“Dentist/s and their staff provide dental care to a group of patients within their own practice for a full or half day. Patients are referred by local charities and not-for-profit organizations.”

Adopt a Patient

“One patient in need of more complex dental care is paired with a volunteer dentist and the practice ‘adopts’ the patient over a few appointments to complete a course of pro bono treatment. If lab services are required, the ADHF has the support of Southern Cross Dental for items such as crowns, bridgework, dentures, splints and retainers.”

Rebuilding Smiles®

“This program focuses on the provision of dental services to people who have experienced domestic and family violence and who are referred by domestic violence support agencies.”

Asked for some of the most pressing needs within ADHF (Vic) at the moment, Dr Waltham signals a lack of comprehensive treatment including restorations, endodontic treatment, extractions and dentures. Of particular urgency is a need for assistance in the area of dentures and partial dentures.

“The Foundation enjoys some support from dental labs and prosthetists around Australia, however we have identified a gap in Victoria and we would welcome any support that can be provided to assist our clients, whether as a one-off or on a more regular basis,” he adds.

Illustrating the plight of underprivileged Australians, Peter relates the account of an ADHF patient who was referred to a volunteer practice, where he received free consultation along with multiple extractions.

Although entitled to priority access to the public system in Victoria, it would have taken months to get a general consultation at his local clinic and a much longer waiting time for dentures. Partially cared for, the edentulous patient still has great difficulty eating due to a lack of pro bono denture services.

“There are numerous ADHF (Vic) patients, such as this gentleman, in and around Melbourne who require dentures and we are facing significant delays in providing opportunities for them to get this assistance.”

After 10 years participating in dental volunteerism, in both leadership and clinical capacity, Peter hasn’t lost sight of the simple need-based calling, the same one he extends to fellow dental colleagues. Once again, demystifying volunteerism as an arduous undertaking, he encourages:

“It takes very little of your time to engage with volunteering, and it can make a huge difference to underprivileged people. Volunteering also gives back to the dentist and the whole dental team in a way that I can only describe as a “feel good” thing, to know that you are helping fellow Australians in need.”

The ​Dental Blog Writer

Danny Chan

Danny is founder of The River Tree, a Multimedia Company based in Melbourne that provides Quality Content & Digital Marketing Services to Dental Professionals across Australia and New Zealand.